(Joplin, MO) – Joplin Public Library is excited to announce The Correspondent by Virginia Evans as the 2026 Joplin Reads Together book selection. Published in 2025, The Correspondent is Evans’ debut novel. This word-of-mouth hit is a New York Times Bestseller, was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and the Andrew Carnegie Medal. It has been named a Best Book of the Year by: NPR, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Elle, Christian Science Monitor, and She Reads. The novel is an epistolary novel about life, grief, joy, and finding peace with oneself, no matter the stage of life.
In its fourth year, Joplin Reads Together is a community-focused, month-long campaign centered upon one adult novel. Community members are encouraged to read the selected title and have the opportunity to further explore the themes and topics in the novel by attending book discussions and programming events offered throughout the entire month of April. This year’s lineup includes the following:
- Wednesday, April 1 @ 4:00 pm – Take-Home Kit: Letter Writing (available while supplies lasts)
- Thursday, April 2 @ 6:00 to 7:00 pm – Post Art Library Art Challenge Reception: Stamps
- Saturday, April 4 @ 11:00 am to 12:00 pm – Plant Swap
- Tuesday, April 7 @ 6:00 to 8:00 pm – Chat & Craft: Reading Journals
- Friday, April 10 @ 6:00 pm – Dear Listener: A Night of Letters Aloud hosted at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company
- Tuesday, April 14 @ 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Post Art Library & Makerspace: Creative Correspondence
- Thursday, April 16 @ 1:00 to 2:00 pm and 6:00 to 7:00 pm – Book Discussions
- Tuesday, April 21 @ 6:00 to 7:00 pm – Missouri Southern State University’s (MSSU) Dr. Amy Gates: Sibylline Letters and the History of the Epistolary
- Thursday, April 23 @ 6:00 pm – Friends of the Joplin Public Library: It’s Complicated: Orphans, Italian Adoptions, and Finding Your Roots
- Tuesday, April 28 @ 6:00 pm – Virginia Evans Author Visit and Book Signing
The program culminates with a visit from author Virginia Evans on April 28, at 6:00 pm, at the Joplin Public Library, where she will discuss her book and sign copies.
Joplin Reads Together aims to increase awareness of the Library and its services, provide a shared experience, promote reading, and foster connection to local organizations. Community members can participate by reading the book, contributing to the Joplin Reads Together group on Facebook, and joining programs offered by the Library and its community partners throughout the month of April. Community partners include Friends of the Joplin Public Library, Post Art Library, and MSSU’s Spiva Library.
“I think this year’s novel can be of interest to a variety of readers, and I’m excited for people to read it,” stated Sarah Turner-Hill, Adult Programming Coordinator for Joplin Public Library. “With the help of our community partners we are looking forward to reading together in April and the programs we’ve planned leading up to Virginia Evans’ visit.”
Joplin Public Library has purchased additional copies of the book in physical, e-book, and audiobook form, to ensure interested patrons have the opportunity to participate. Books will also be available for purchase at the Library from the Friends of the Joplin Public Library, starting February 9.
For more information about Joplin Reads Together, click here or contact Sarah Turner-Hill or Lori Crockett by phone at 417.623.7953 or email at sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org or lcrockett@joplinpubilclibrary.org.
About Joplin Public Library:
Since 1902, JPL has been fulfilling the information needs of citizens of Joplin and the surrounding community. JPL opens tomorrow’s doors today through diverse opportunities to learn, create, explore, and have fun.
References:
Lori Crockett, PR and Marketing Assistant
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1019
lcrockett@joplinpubilclibrary.org
Sarah Turner-Hill, Adult Programming Coordinator
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1030
sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org
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